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The polyphemus female tends to scatter eggs rather than concentrate them in masses on individual leaves; consequently, the number of caterpillars on any one tree is usually low. As a result, large trees with abundant foliage seldom lose sufficient foliage to injure the tree, but its aesthetic value in the urban landscape may be reduced. However, among seedlings and small trees where foliage is limited, one to a few of these large, voracious feeders can cause serious defoliation. Loss of leaves in this circumstance can affect tree growth, form, and survival. Auburn University